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Wiesbaden, HISTORIC TRAIL

WIESBADEN, GERMANY TRANSATLANTICHISTORIC COUNCIL TRAIL How to Use This Guide

This Field Guide contains information on the Wiesbaden Historical Trail designed by Mr Bruce Hodges of Pack 13 and Troop 107 as part of his Wood Badge ticket. It was also inspired by the original Wiesbaden Historic Hiking Trail created by Clifford E. White II of Troop 15 in May 1981 as his Eagle Project. The guide is intended to be a starting point in your endeavor to learn about the history of the sites on the trail. Remember, this may be the only time your Scouts visit Wiesbaden in their life so make it a great time!

While TAC tries to update these Field Guides when possible, it may be several years before the next revision. If you have comments or suggestions, please send them to [email protected] or post them on the TAC Facebook Group Page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/27951084309/.

This guide can be printed as a 5½ x 4¼ inch pamphlet or read on a tablet or smart phone.

Front Cover: The Marktkirsche (Market Church) Front Cover Inset: The Temple am Neroburg

WIESBADEN, GERMANY 2 HISTORIC TRAIL Table of Contents

Getting Prepared………………..…………4 What is the Historic Trail…….……… 5 Wiesbaden Historic Trail ………. 6-21 Route Map & Pictures………..…..22-23 Checkpoint Pictures…………….. 24-25 B.S.A. Requirements………….…..…… 26 Notes…………………………………..….…… 27

WIESBADEN, GERMANY HISTORIC TRAIL 3 Getting Prepared

Just like with any hike (or any activity in Scouting), the Historic Trail program starts with Being Prepared.

1. Review this Field Guide in detail.

2. Check local conditions and weather.

3. Study and Practice with the map and compass.

4. Pack rain gear and other weather-appropriate gear.

5. Take plenty of water.

6. Make sure socks and hiking shoes or boots fit correctly and are broken in.

7. Pack a first aid kit, "just in case."

8. Discuss the day's activities, so there are no surprises; discuss safe hiking.

9. Ensure Two-Deep Leadership at all times.

WIESBADEN, GERMANY 4 HISTORIC TRAIL What is the Historic Trail?

A tour of the Town of Wiesbaden, along the Rhein River, presents a fun opportunity to Scouts of the Transatlantic Council for several reasons. Wiesbaden is one of the oldest spa towns in . Its name translates to "meadow baths", a reference to its famed hot springs. It is also internationally famous for its architecture and —it is also called the " of the North" in reference to the city in . At one time, Wiesbaden boasted 26 hot springs. As of 2008, fourteen of the springs are still flowing and you will get to see at least one on the trail. It is also the capital of the German state of Hessen. The city, together with nearby am , , and , is part of the Frankfurt Main Region, a with a combined population of about 5.8 million people. Finally, it is one of 18 historic trails available to Scouts in Europe.

Along the hike, you will experience quiet city parks, bustling shopping areas, quaint back alleys and the general charm of Wiesbaden. There will be plenty of eating and shopping establishments along the way so be sure to bring along some euro.

If you come at the right time, you can combine the Wiesbaden Historic Trail with the fun of a German fest! Wiesbaden hosts numerous fests each year including the Festival in August and the Shooting Star Christmas Market in November and December plus other smaller fests throughout the year. And the Schloßplatz hosts a weekly Farmer’s Market on Wednesday and Saturday mornings if you need to buy some fresh produce, cheese, meat or other food while on the trail!

Scouts and leaders are encouraged to wear Scout uniforms. As you walk the trail and interact with others, this fleeting experience with American Scouts is the only one visitors may have in their lifetime. Consequently the Scouts are expected to personify the Scout Law and Oath and conduct themselves accordingly.

This Trail Guide contains everything you need to complete the hike. Read it thoroughly, walk the Trail, and…

GOOD HIKING! – GUTES WANDERN!

WIESBADEN, GERMANY HISTORIC TRAIL 5 Wiesbaden Historic Trail

Where and How to Start The trail starts at the or Main .

There are several parking garages in the area if you drive to town. If you park in the downtown area, feel free to change the route of the hike so that you start and end near your vehicles. You can also park at the Hainerberg Housing Area where the US Military shoppette and gas station is located. It is about a half mile from the train station and you must have a US military ID card to access the base.

Distance and Time The main hike is about 5 kilometers from the first to last stop and will take about 2 hours of walking, if you do not stop to see the sights. It will take about 4 hours of walking if you stop in the churches, and outdoor places of interest, and look for the history behind them all.. Finally, it will take about 5 hours to complete the trail and go into the museum as well. There is also an optional hike at the halfway point that takes to the top of the Neroburg overlooking Downtown Wiesbaden. This adds an extra 4.5 kilometers and about 1.5-2 hours to your day.

There is no set “break time” during the hike. You decide when you want to stop and take a short break for drinks or food. There are numerous restaurants, cafes and stands along the route including the Tower Café at the top of the Neroburg. The best time to start on the hike is around nine in the morning as most shops along the route will be open (except on Sundays) at those times. Just remember, the goal is the trail, not the finish.

WIESBADEN, GERMANY 6 HISTORIC TRAIL Wiesbaden Historic Trail

Start Point – Wiesbaden Hauptbahnhof

The current station replaced three stations in the city center in order to handle the growing number of passengers coming to visit Wiesbaden's many . It was built from 1904 to 1906 according to the plans of Fritz Klingholz in a flamboyant neo- style that corresponded to an international style of architecture adopted for spa towns. It was also intended to welcome Kaiser Wilhelm II on his visit to the spa every May and a platform was established for him and other aristocrats. The first train ran into the new station on 15 November 1906. In the station building the relics of the former images of crowned heads, with the faces removed, can still be seen in many places.

The new Hauptbahnhof was located outside the town at the time of its building at the south-eastern end of the then newly constructed ring road (the Kaiser-Friedrich-Ring and the Bismarckring), which runs in an arc to the west of the historic pentagon (Historische Fünfeck) at the center of Wiesbaden. During the period up to the First World War the town developed towards the new station.

The station currently has 10 tracks and links Wiesbaden to other locations via long- distance and regional trains and the S-Bahn. An average of 256 trains a day pass through the station!

50°04'16.0"N, 8°14'34.9"E – Bahnhofsplatz 1, 65189 Wiesbaden Head north out of the front of the train station and cross the main road. After crossing, go left for about 200m and then turn right on Adolfsalle. Follow Adolfsalle for about 680m and cross Rheinstraße. You are now in the Lusienplatz with your next stop at the other end of the park.

WIESBADEN, GERMANY HISTORIC TRAIL 7 Wiesbaden Historic Trail

Checkpoint #2 – St Bonifatius Church St. Bonifatius in Wiesbaden, Germany, is the central Catholic parish and church in the capital of . The present building was designed by architect Philipp Hoffmann in Gothic Revival style and built from 1844 to 1849. Its twin steeples of 68 m (223 ft.) dominate the Luisenplatz. The parish is part of the Diocese of Limburg.

In World War II the church suffered severe damage. An air raid on 2 February 1945 destroyed all the windows, the roof, and part of the vault. Repairs made in 1949 replaced the vault with a simple construction. The vault was re-built in a general restoration in 1965, which also took into account the changes of the Second Vatican Council. A new altar by Elmar Hillebrand was added in 1967. The new windows are stained glass in mainly white, red and blue, designed by Johannes Beeck. Sculptor Karl Hoffmann created a crucifixion scene and a of both St. Francis and Teresa of Ávila.

50°04'44.9"N, 8°14'22.7"E – Luisenstraße 33, 65185 Wiesbaden After checking out the church, head west on Luisenstraße for 115m and turn right on Kirchgasse. Follow Kirchgasse for about 400m through the pedestrian only zone while checking out the shops! Look for your next stop at the intersection of Marktstraße and Kirchgasse.

Checkpoint #3 – 3D Map of Wiesbaden This brass 3D map of Wiesbaden show the "Historical Pentagon" or "Historisches Fünfeck" of downtown Wiesbaden including parts of the trail. The pentagon is bordered to the south by Rheinstraße, to the west by Schwalbacher Straße, north by Röderstraße and Taunusstraße and to the east by Wilhelmstraße. These roads form a pentagon enclosing the old town of Wiesbaden. The development outside this street line did not start until the second half of the 19th century.

WIESBADEN, GERMANY 8 HISTORIC TRAIL Wiesbaden Historic Trail

Checkpoint #3 – 3D Map of Wiesbaden (cont.) The map was built in 2010...see if you can find where you are on the map along with any stops on the trail?

50°04'57.6"N, 8°14'20.4"E – Langgasse 1, 65183 Wiesbaden Head west from the map for about 130m and look for your next stop. There are parts of the memorial on both sides of the rode so be sure to check out both.

Checkpoint #4 – Holocaust Memorial The memorial is for the Jewish victims of the Holocaust from Wiesbaden during the time of National Socialism. During the pogrom night of 9-10 November 1938, the synagogue built in 1869 on Michelsberg was set on fire by Nazis. The building was so badly damaged that it was demolished in 1939. In 2006, the city council approved a plan to build a memorial on the former site of the synagogue.

The memorial on Michelsberg, which marks the area of ​​the former synagogue building, is divided by the street into two corresponding areas. The larger wall has an illuminated band of names of 1,507 Jewish victims from Wiesbaden. In addition, their birth date and, if possible, their death dates are recorded there. On the smaller wall are information signs in German and English along with a touchscreen that can retrieve more information about the fate of the victims and the history of the memorial.

Additionally, there are 656 "stumbling stones" in 293 different locations around Wiesbaden. Each 4 in x 4 in marker has a brass plate inscribed with the name and life dates of victims of Nazi extermination or persecution. The markers are usually located in front of the victims home. There are over 70,000 of these stones installed in over 1200 towns and cities across Europe. See if you notice any along the trail.

50°04'59.7"N, 8°14'12.9"E – Coulinstraße 1, 65183 Wiesbaden Head northeast on Coulinstraße for about 180m to the next stop.

WIESBADEN, GERMANY HISTORIC TRAIL 9 Wiesbaden Historic Trail

Checkpoint #5 – Römertor or Roman Gate The Heathens' Wall is Wiesbaden's oldest structure from Roman times and is found next to the Roman Gateway. Only fragments of the wall, which in fact was part of a Roman stronghold dating back to 364-375 AD to ward off attacks from the Germanic tribes, remain today.

The Roman Gate was built in 1902 with a covered wooden bridge. In the Roman Open-Air Museum next to the Roman Gate, there are copies of stone tablets found in Wiesbaden from the Roman era.

50°05'03.6"N, 8°14'19.6"E – Coulinstraße 11, 65183 Wiesbaden Head east down the stairs and Am Römertor to Langasse and then go left. Follow Langasse for about 300m to the next stop.

Checkpoint #6 – Kochbrunnenplatz The square is bordered by Taunusstraße to the north and its western edge is lined by the remains of the Kochbrunnen arcades along Saalgasse. The architect Wilhelm Bogler built them in 1887/88 and gave the whole square a layout in the shape of the letter z.

In 1945, bombs destroyed a large portion of the historical square, but the Kochbrunnentempel and the remains of the arcades give visitors a sense of the former magnificence of Kranzplatz. After the war the arcades were reopened for use, but they were torn down in the sixties and the only structure left standing was the wing along Saalgasse.

The Kochbrunnentempel once stood at the southern end of the arcade, but in 1976/77 it was moved and rebuilt; with thermal water still flowing today. There are 15 springs which feed into the Kochbrunnen and supply it with 880 liters of thermal water per minute at a temperature of 68.75 degrees Celsius where it leaves the ground.

WIESBADEN, GERMANY 10 HISTORIC TRAIL Wiesbaden Historic Trail

Checkpoint #6 – Kochbrunnenplatz (cont.)

50°05'10.8"N, 8°14'31.3"E – Kranzplatz, 65183 Wiesbaden Leave out of the NE corner of the platz and head southeast on Taunusstraße. At the intersection, cross over Wilhelmstraße and then head south about 100m. Make a left and head east across the Bowling Green to the Kurhaus.

**If you want to add an extra part to the hike, head northeast on Taunusstraße and skip to page 18 to do the 4.5km Neroburg hike.**

Checkpoint #7 – Kurhaus The Kurhaus is in the center of Wiesbaden, at the end of the main street, Wilhelmstraße. Its main entrance, on the west side, faces the Bowling Green, a grass- covered square with two fountains, named by British spa guests. On the south side of the green is the Hessisches Staatstheater with the Theater colonnade. On the north side is the Kurhaus colonnade or fountain hall, with a length of 129 meters (423 ft..), it is the longest columned hall in Europe. Today it houses a casino. Behind the Kurhaus, the landscaped Kurpark extends eastward, with a band shell and a fountain pond. If you have time, take a stroll around the park and enjoy the scenery!

The Kurhaus is constructed in a neo-classical style with elements; the facade is of Belle Époque style. Other exterior features are the Corinthian columns and the mythical griffins frieze. On the building's portal the words Aquis Mattiacis ("the waters of the Mattiaci") are inscribed, a tribute to the Germanic tribe that once inhabited the area.

50°05'05.2"N, 8°14'48.7"E – Kurhausplatz 1, 65189 Wiesbaden Head south from the Kurhaus on Paulinenstraße and the State Theater and Warmer Damm will be about 100m on the right.

WIESBADEN, GERMANY HISTORIC TRAIL 11 Wiesbaden Historic Trail

Checkpoint #8 – State Theater The Hessisches Staatstheater is the State Theatre of the German state Hesse in its capital Wiesbaden, producing operas, plays, ballets, musicals and concerts on four stages. It is also known as Staatstheater Wiesbaden or Theater Wiesbaden and its orchestra is the Hessisches Staatsorchester.

The building of the theatre was initiated and substantially supported by the Wilhelm I who regularly visited the spa in Wiesbaden. The building was erected from 1892 to 1894 in Baroque Revival style, following models in and Zurich. It opened on 16 October 1894 in the presence of the emperor.

The theatre has four stages, three of them in the historic house: The Großes Haus (Great House) with 1,041 seats, the Kleines Haus (Small House) with 328 seats, the Studio with 89 seats and the Wartburg, an additional small separate stage.

50°05'01.1"N, 8°14'45.1"E – Christian-Zais-Straße 3, 65189 Wiesbaden Directly in front of the Theater is a large park, the Warmer Damm and your next stop.

Checkpoint #9 – Warmer Damm The Warmer Damm Park enjoys its popularity thanks to its central location in the middle of town. In the center of the park, which is larger than 4.5 hectares and was designed between 1859 and 1860 as a landscape park, a large pond is the focus of attention.

It provides many aquatic birds with a habitat throughout the year. The Warmer Damm is bordered by historical town houses and country manors, some of which are nearly 200 years old. Warmer Damm's northern end is marked by a monument to the German poet Friedrich Schiller. Throughout the park visitors can see both modern as well as a monument to Wilhelm I and historical fragments of a Roman temple.

WIESBADEN, GERMANY 12 HISTORIC TRAIL Wiesbaden Historic Trail

Checkpoint #9 – Warmer Damm (cont.) The name Warmer Damm goes back to the system of weirs of an earlier period whose basins were in part filled with water from the hot springs. The "Warm Pond", in existence until 1805, was used in various ways, among them as a horse bath.

50°04'57.3"N, 8°14'46.4"E – Am Warmen Damm, 65189 Wiesbaden Head west until you come back to Wilhelmstraße. Cross the street and head north Burgstraße. Turn left and go about 100 to find the big Cuckoo Clock!

Checkpoint #10 – Big Cuckoo Clock In 1946 the Cuckoo Clock was erected by souvenir salesman Emil Kronberger in the Kaiser-Friedrich-Square. In the early 1950s, the clock was awarded the title of the "Largest Cuckoo Clock in the World". It strikes every half an hour between 8am and 8pm. And be sure to check out the shop for all souvenirs you could want!

50°05'00.8"N, 8°14'35.0"E – Burgstraße 6, 65183 Wiesbaden Just past the clock, make a left and head south to the Schloßplatz.

Checkpoint #11 – Schloßplatz The Schloßplatz ( Square or Castle Square) forms the center of the historic Old Town of Wiesbaden, Hesse, Germany. It gets its name from the Stadtschloss, the royal residence of the Dukes of located on the north side of the square. Other buildings surrounding the Schloßplatz include the Old City Hall, the New Town Hall and the Marktkirche.

In the middle of the square stands the Marktbrunnen (Market Well) of 1753. Due to this unique building ensemble, and the fact that at this point medieval Wiesbaden originated, it is historically the most important part of the city. Occasionally it is referred to as the "market square", its name before the palace was built.

WIESBADEN, GERMANY HISTORIC TRAIL 13 Wiesbaden Historic Trail

Checkpoint #11 – Schloßplatz (cont.) The Schloßplatz was officially written as a proper noun using the letter 'ß' in the old German orthography. However, it was also correct to spell the word in new orthography as "Schloßplatz", which it often is.

50°04'58.2"N, 8°14'34.3"E – Schloßplatz, 65183 Wiesbaden As you stand in the Schloßplatz, the Stadtschloss will be on the northwest side.

Checkpoint #12 – Stadtschloss Wiesbaden The Wiesbaden City Palace or Stadtschloss Wiesbaden is a neo-classical building in the center of Wiesbaden, Germany. It was completed in 1841 as the principal city residence of the Dukes of Nassau. The palace has several wings, 145 rooms, and is architecturally integrated with a group of ancillary buildings constructed both before and after it was built. With ornate towers, gables and a slate roof laid in herringbone patterns, the three-story complex lends charm and its name to the central square of Wiesbaden: Palace Square or Schloßplatz.

The Palace has had a turbulent history. After withstanding the and annexation by in 1866, it has served variously as a second home of the German Emperors, a gathering place for soldiers and workers during the German Revolution of 1918–1919, a museum, and a military headquarters for both the Wehrmacht and Allied occupation forces.

Damaged during World War II, the Palace has since been restored and portions modernized. Since 1946 it has been the seat of the State Parliament of Hesse or Hessischer Landtag.

50°04'57.4"N, 8°14'30.3"E – Schloßplatz 1-3, 65183 Wiesbaden After checking out the Stadtschloss, look behind you for the big red brick church.

WIESBADEN, GERMANY 14 HISTORIC TRAIL Wiesbaden Historic Trail

Checkpoint #13 – Marktkirche The Marktkirche or Market Church is the main Protestant church in Wiesbaden. The neo-Gothic church on the central Schloßplatz was designed by Carl Boos and built between 1853 and 1862. While his unusual design with five towers was criticized because of needing too much material and building too high, he increased the height of the to about 98 m (300 feet).

The foundation stone was laid on 22 September 1853. When the church was completed it was the largest brick building of the Duchy of Nassau. It is also called Nassauer Landesdom or Cathedral of Nassau.

50°04'56.5"N, 8°14'33.6"E – Schloßplatz 4, 65183 Wiesbaden Head southeast from the church to find the Neues Rathaus, your next stop.

Checkpoint #14 – Neues Rathaus The New Town Hall or Neues Rathaus is a town hall on the Schloßplatz in Wiesbaden. It hosts the city government including the city council, offices of the mayors and part of the administration. It was built between 1884 and 1887 by Georg von Hauberrisser in a Renaissance Revival architecture style.

The basement is almost completely occupied by a restaurant called the Ratskeller or City Cellar.

50°04'54.9"N, 8°14'31.1"E – Schloßplatz 6, 65183 Wiesbaden After looking around the Rathaus and Marktplatz, head east on Karl-Glassing-straße back out to Wilhelmstraße. Head south on Wilhelmstraße for about 400m and cross over Rheinstraße. The Wiesbaden Museum will be on across Friedrich-Ebert- Allee.

WIESBADEN, GERMANY HISTORIC TRAIL 15 Wiesbaden Historic Trail

Checkpoint #15 – Wiesbaden Museum The is a two-branch museum of art and in Wiesbaden. It is one of the three State museums, in addition to the museums in and Darmstadt. Lovers of art and nature as well as art fanciers with a passion for will enjoy the art portion while scouts will probably enjoy the nature part of the museum better.

50°04'38.9"N, 8°14'44.5"E – Friedrich-Ebert-Allee 2, 65185 Wiesbaden Directly across the street from the museum is the Congress Center, the next checkpoint.

Checkpoint #16 – RheinMain Congress Center The RheinMain Congress Center Wiesbaden (formerly Rhein-Main-Hallen) reopened in April 2018. It replaced the old Rhein Main which was built in the 1950s.

The Center can hold up to 12,500 visitors and supports numerous meetings, fairs and conventions each year. Inside the center are two hall complexes including a larger one that can seat over 5000 people. There is also a restaurant and a parking garage.

This was also the location of the original main train station or hauptbahnhof in Wiesbaden. The tracks between here and the current Hauptbahnhof were replaced by our next stop, Reisinger Park.

50°04'37.5"N, 8°14'40.6"E – Friedrich-Ebert-Allee 1, 65185 Wiesbaden Continue south on Friedrich-Ebert-Allee for about 300m until you come to the large grassy park on your right.

WIESBADEN, GERMANY 16 HISTORIC TRAIL Wiesbaden Historic Trail

Checkpoint #17 – Reisinger Park Not many cities manage to keep a choice location, such as one near a railway station, free of development. Wiesbaden has succeeded in doing just that.

The former Imperial Railway grounds, located directly in front of the station, were transformed by the sponsors Hugo Reisinger and Adam Herbert into a park in 1932. The park, which is 3.4 hectares in size, dominated by sweeping lawns, fountains and geometrically arranged water basins, leads directly North from the railway station to the city center. The Herbert and Reisinger Park is also where a large variety of open-air events in Wiesbaden are held.

50°04'21.7"N, 8°14'38.5"E – Reisingeranlage, 65185 Wiesbaden Cross the main road and you should be back at the train station where you started your Wiesbaden adventure!

Panorama of Wiesbaden with the Hauptbahnhof

WIESBADEN, GERMANY HISTORIC TRAIL 17 Optional Neroburg Trail

Optional Checkpoint #1 – Nerotal Park English landscape gardens were the inspiration for the designers who created Wiesbaden's Nerotal Park. The park, which begins at the end of Taunusstraße and extends nearly one kilometer to the viaduct of the Nerobergbahn (little railway), was created between 1897 and 1898.

By the time the park was completed its roughly six hectares had been planted with more than 6,000 plants from all over the world, which is why it was popularly referred to as the "botanical garden". The Nerotal Park, following the course of the Schwarzbach stream and protected as an historical site since 1985, includes the Warriors' Monument, completed in 1909, and a Bismarck Monument, created in 1898.

Bordered by luxurious , the Nerotal Park with its ponds and artistically inspired bridges remains a popular place to stroll and relax for Wiesbaden residents and the city's guests.

50°05'39.0"N, 8°13'53.8"E – Nerotal 57, 65193 Wiesbaden Continue west through the park until you get to the end. There you will find a small train station.

Optional Checkpoint #2 – Neroburg Bahn The Nerobergbahn is a funicular railway in Wiesbaden. The line links the city with the Neroberg hill to its north, where visitors may view a panorama of the city.

The line opened in 1888, and is one of the few with water propulsion. At the upper station, tanks on the down-bound car are filled with up to 7,000 liters (1,800 US gal) of water to ensure that it is heavier than the up-bound car. The down-bound car then pulls the up-bound car uphill with a 452-metre (1,483 ft.) long steel cable. When the down-bound carriage arrives at the lower station, the water is discharged and pumped uphill.

WIESBADEN, GERMANY 18 HISTORIC TRAIL Optional Neroburg Trail

Optional Checkpoint #2 – Neroburg Bahn (cont.) In 1939, it was planned to convert the line to electric propulsion and to provide larger cars, but the outbreak of World War II prevented this. The line was taken out of service in 1944 due to war damage, and service was restarted in 1948. In 1988 the line was protected as a technical monument by the State of Hesse.

50°05'41.0"N, 8°13'31.6"E – Wilhelminenstraße 51, 65193 Wiesbaden You can get to the top two different ways. You can take the Neroburg Bahn up to the top or you can walk.

If you decide to walk, head northwest under the train and take the trail that heads north up the hill. Once at the top train station, make a right and head down to the Lion Terrace and great view of Wiesbaden.

Optional Checkpoint #3 – Lion Terrace Just below the station is a viewing terrace flanked by two stone lions. These belong to a memorial erected in 1930 for members of the Gersdorff (Kurhessisches) Nr. 80 Fusilier Regiment during the First World War and its military units, created by the architect Edmund Fabry and the sculptor Arnold Hensler.

From the terrace you have a panoramic view of , the villas of the Nerotal, the city of Wiesbaden and out to the Rheinhessen.

50°05'50.6"N, 8°13'46.7"E – Löwenterrasse, 65193 Wiesbaden Head back up from the terrace and head for the temple.

WIESBADEN, GERMANY HISTORIC TRAIL 19 Optional Neroburg Trail

Optional Checkpoint #4 – Neroburg Temple On the top of the Neroberg, not far from the mountain station of the Nerobergbahn, Philipp Hoffmann laid out a small mountain park in 1851. The focal point is a monopteros called the Neroburg Temple designed by Philipp Hoffmann, from which one has a very good view of the city. Its pillars were formerly along Wilhelmstraße and carried the oil lamps of the old street lighting. From October 2010 to August 2013, it was renovated.

The old Neroberghotel , which was also built in the 19th century nearby, fell victim to a fire in 1989. All that remained was the tower, which was renovated in 1993 and now houses a restaurant with outdoor seating called Der Turm.

Next to the restaurant is the Roman Theater, a large round area sunk in to the ground. Various performances occur here throughout the year. But if it is not being used, have your Scouts start at the bottom and run around it to the top...it is a big spiral and will definitely tire them out!

50°05'54.0"N 8°13'48.1"E – Neroberg 2, 65193 Wiesbaden About 50 m north of the temple is the Roman Theater, a large round area sunk in to the ground.

Optional Checkpoint #5 – St Elizabeth's Church The Russian Orthodox Church of Saint Elizabeth in Wiesbaden is the only Russian Orthodox church in Wiesbaden. Besides the Russian church there is a parsonage and a Russian cemetery, which is the largest in Europe (outside itself). St. Elizabeth's Church and its parishioners belong to the Diocese of Germany in the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia.

It was built from 1847 to 1855 by Duke of Nassau on the occasion of the death of his wife, the 19-year-old Grand Duchess Elizabeth Mikhailovna of Russia, niece of Emperor Nicholas I.

WIESBADEN, GERMANY 20 HISTORIC TRAIL Optional Neroburg Trail

Optional Checkpoint #5 – St Elizabeth's Church (cont.) Construction of the church was assigned to senior building officer (Oberbaurat) Philipp Hoffmann, who studied Russian church architecture, particularly at first in Russia. As a template for this church, he took the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in . On 25 May 1855 the church was finally dedicated in honor of St. Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist and patron saint of the deceased princess. Shortly afterwards, the coffin containing the Grand Duchess and her baby was taken in a procession from the St. Boniface's Church its previous temporary shelter, into the crypt of the Russian church and buried there.

50°05'51.3"N, 8°14'04.7"E – Christian-Spielmann-Weg 1, 65193 Wiesbaden After leaving the church, follow the trail to the west about 50m and then go left and head south about 120m. Make a right onto Neroburgstraße and follow it south for about 400m until you get back to the Nerotal Park. Now hang a left and go about 900m back to the Kochbrunnen and join back up with the main trail on page 11!

Panorama of Wiesbaden from the Löwenterrasse

WIESBADEN, GERMANY HISTORIC TRAIL 21 Optional Neroburg Hike

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WIESBADEN, GERMANY HISTORIC TRAIL 25 BSA Requirements

Completion of the Wiesbaden Historic Trail may complete the following Requirements:

Cub Scouts: Tiger: My Tiger Jungle Req 1 Tigers in the Wild Req 1, 2, 4 Tiger Tales Req 7 Wolf: Paws on the Path Req 1-5 Finding Your Way Req 4 Bear: Fur, Feathers, and Ferns Req 1 Paws for Action Req 2B Webelos: Webelos Walkabout Req 1-6

Scouts BSA: Tenderfoot: Req 4d, 5a, 5b, 5c Second Class: Req 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 6c First Class: Req 4a, 4b

*Note: Requirements for the Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Hiking, Orienteering, and American Heritage Merit Badges and the Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Award can be earned by completing this hike and learning about sites found on this hike.

WIESBADEN, GERMANY 26 HISTORIC TRAIL Notes

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WIESBADEN, GERMANY HISTORIC TRAIL 27 This Historic Trail was put together by Bruce Hodges of Pack 13 and Troop 107 in 2019. It was inspired by the original Wiesbaden Historical Hiking Trail created by Clifford E White II of Troop 15 for his Eagle Project in May 1981.

Additional Historic Trails in the Transatlantic Council area can be found at http://tac-bsa.org or by scanning the QR Code below.

UpdatedWIESBADEN, 29 October GERMANY 2019 HISTORIC TRAIL